We're big fans of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=cardboard+architecture">cardboard architecture</a>, but in most cases, the material yields structures that are boxy and rather simplistic. That's why we were blown away when we spotted these incredibly intricate cardboard columns by <a href="http://www.michael-hansmeyer.com/">Michael Hansmeyer</a>, which <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663306/the-worlds-most-complex-architecture-cardboard-columns-with-16-million-facets#12">FastcoDesign</a> actually dubbed as the most complex architecture in the world. The dizzying Doric column variations are created on Hansmeyer's computer using a subdivision algorithm that allows them to have between <strong>8 and 16 million facets</strong> (distinct surfaces). They're so insanely detailed that most people - including us - mistake the actual physical prototypes for computer renderings!

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

So how does one go about fabricating a form with 16 million facets?

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

Well, the first method you might think of is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=3d+printer">3D printing</a>, but according to Hansmeyer, his "computational architecture" is actually so complex that most 3D printers would run away with their tails between their legs at seeing it.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

So Hansmeyer decided to take a different approach - one that might seem elementary, but is actually pretty ingenious when you think about it.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

First, he sliced his model into thousands of cross sections using a computer program.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

One of the cross sections.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

While the model as a whole is insanely detailed, each one of the cross sections is actually quite simple, and Hansmeyer realized he could output them on cardboard using laser cutters.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

Believe it or not, it only took about 15 hours for the machines (three in total working in parallel overnight) to cut out all of the slices.

"Our method of fabrication also makes the column very easy to transport: just unstack the slices," says Hansmeyer.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

Oh, and did we mention the materials only cost $1500 - imagine how much 3D printing would have run.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

Looking at the prototype, it's hard to believe that it's a real-life physical form. But it is and <a href="http://www.michael-hansmeyer.com/">Hansmeyer</a> even wants to experiment on using his method with more robust materials in order to start building real structures with his "computational architecture."

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

In terms of eco-friendliness, the cardboard forms would be easy to recycle or be made of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/recycled-materials">recycled materials</a> and according to Hansmeyer, don't even require glue.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

"You just slip the slices over the cores and it all holds together," he says.

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Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns

We're big fans of cardboard architecture, but in most cases, the material yields structures that are boxy and rather simplistic. That's why we were blown away when we spotted these incredibly intricate cardboard columns by Michael Hansmeyer, which FastcoDesign actually dubbed as the most complex architecture in the world. The dizzying Doric column variations are created on Hansmeyer's computer using a subdivision algorithm that allows them to have between 8 and 16 million facets (distinct surfaces). They're so insanely detailed that most people - including us - mistake the actual physical prototypes for computer renderings!